Results 1,661-1,680 of 2,723 for speaker:Barry Andrews

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (17 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the implementation of the new free Pre-school Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which will be introduced in January 2010. The objective of the ECCE scheme is to ensure that all children have the opportunity to avail of free pre-school provision. An annual capitation fee of €2,450, or €2,850 where the higher...

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (17 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: Applicants for inter-country adoption must undergo a detailed statutory assessment process, which is undertaken by professional Social Workers, and must be approved by the Adoption Board before a Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability to adopt abroad can be issued to them from the Board. An important and integral aspect of this assessment process is that applicants develop and exhibit an...

Written Answers — Child Abuse: Child Abuse (17 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: The management and delivery of health and social services are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. I understand that the HSE wrote to the Deputy on the 13th October, setting out the position with regard to the matters raised. They have advised that if at any time new information comes to light regarding the welfare of a child they will assess...

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (17 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the implementation of the new free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which is being introduced in January 2010. Following the announcement of the ECCE scheme in the April 2009 Supplementary Budget, an information leaflet entitled "Guide for Parents to the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and...

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (17 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: My Office has received representations on behalf of the persons in question. The Adoption Bill, 2009, which is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, has passed through the Seanad. The Bill is scheduled to commence its second stage process in Dail Eireann on the 18th of November. As I have...

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (17 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: My Office does not appear to have received representations to date in this case. However, I am happy to set out below the current position with regard to the issues raised by the Deputy. The Adoption Bill, 2009, which is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, has passed through the Seanad....

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (17 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: My Office has received representations on behalf of the person in question. The Adoption Bill, 2009, which is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, has passed through the Seanad. The Bill is scheduled to commence its second stage process in Dail Eireann on the 18th of November. As I have...

Written Answers — Mental Health Services: Mental Health Services (17 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Adoption Bill 2009: Second Stage (18 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." Before beginning this important debate I wish to acknowledge the difficult year this has been for everybody involved in international adoptions because of uncertainty about some countries and delays that have occurred. I acknowledge in particular the delay, frustration and upset that prospective adoptive parents have experienced. It is...

International Human Trafficking: Motion (Resumed) (18 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: I join with his Fine Gael colleagues in complimenting Deputy Naughten on his tenacity and responsibility in bringing this matter regularly to the attention of the political system. It is to the credit of everybody in the House when politicians act in this responsible manner. I want, first of all, to replace some of the assertions being made in the House over the past two days with some...

International Human Trafficking: Motion (Resumed) (18 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: I did not say that. It is important to put on the record that this is not what I said.

Written Answers — Youth Services: Youth Services (18 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department received an application on behalf of the Youth Project referred to by the Deputy, to be considered for funding in 2008 under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme. Due to the large number of applications received and the limited funding available, it was not possible to provide the funding requested. The 2009 budget allocation for youth services is...

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (18 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: I have responsibility for the implementation of the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which is being introduced in January 2010. The scheme as announced allows for a minimum enrolment of 8 children who qualify for the free Pre-School Year, rather than 10 as stated. In addition, exceptions to this requirement are provided for. As a result, services...

Written Answers — Children in Care: Children in Care (19 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: A reply to Parliamentary Question No. 162 of 15 October 2009 was issued to the Deputy from the Health Service Executive (HSE) on the 18 November 2009.

Written Answers — Foreign Adoptions: Foreign Adoptions (24 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 251 together. The Adoption Bill, 2009, which is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, has passed through the Seanad and commenced its second stage process in Dail Eireann on the 18th November. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of...

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (24 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: Children First, the National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children provide support and guidance in recognising and responding to possible child abuse. The guidelines are aimed at health professionals, teachers, members of An Garda Síochána and any other persons/ organisations involved in providing services to children. This includes those involved in sporting, community...

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (24 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for the management and delivery of health and social services under the Health Act 2004. Any concerns which are brought to the attention of the Department with regard to the welfare of a child are brought to the attention of the HSE at the earliest opportunity. In the event that the Deputy has concerns about a particular case she...

Written Answers — Youth Cafés: Youth Cafés (24 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) has not funded youth cafés. The OMCYA has been allocated €1,500,000 from Dormant Accounts for the development of a structured programme of youth cafes. Final decisions on the operation of this programme are still under consideration and it is anticipated the funding will be made available over 2010 and 2011. The focus of...

Written Answers — Child Abuse: Child Abuse (24 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (24 Nov 2009)

Barry Andrews: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.